The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Calista cast a furtive glance toward Vivienne and murmured in a hushed voice, “Mom, please stop talking!”

She looked utterly heartbroken. Already beautiful, her crestfallen expression only amplified her appeal, tugging at the heartstrings of anyone who saw her.

Mila only had this one precious daughter, and seeing her suffer such indignity was more than she could bear. Her voice rose in volume, “Why shouldn’t I speak? I’m going to!”

She marched up to Vivienne, her anger palpable. “Vivienne, you’ve had it in for Calista from the start. Nothing she does pleases you, but she risked herself to save you today! Your attitude is utterly disgraceful!”

Vivienne raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression cool and detached, “And? Should I kneel and bow my head to her in gratitude?”

Mila was taken aback. “When did I ever ask you to kneel to her? Don’t twist my words. I’m saying, at the very least, you should say thank you.”

Judith, who had been silent up to this point, interjected with a disapproving tone, “Vivienne, your behavior is indeed deplorable. No matter what, Calista is your sister. Whatever grudges you had should be in the past. Today, she saved you because, despite everything, you share the same father. You don’t have to shower her with thanks, but a simple thank you is basic courtesy.”

Her gaze darkened as she continued, “Or has your mother never taught you any manners?”

Suddenly!

Vivienne’s eyes darkened, her presence turning icy. Beneath her haute couture gown, she stood regal as a queen bathed in sunlight, her radiance momentarily blinding.

She glanced at Judith with a chilling gaze, her voice flat as she said, “My mother is dead. You could try asking her in the afterlife how she raised me.”

Judith’s face soured instantly. “What kind of talk is that? As your grandmother, am I not allowed to speak for your own good? I remember your mother as a gracious and considerate woman, well-liked by the Brooks family. How is it that you’re so rude? You would do well to learn some life lessons from your mother.”

“Haha!” Vivienne laughed, dazzling yet like a poisonous flower capable of ensnaring one with a glance.

She looked up at Judith, her voice icy. “When Paula managed to steal Scott’s sperm, Judith, you played no small part. A person with a venomous heart, living a life of pretense, you dare teach me?”

are you spouting? Is this how a

aware there was an issue with Vivienne’s manners,” Percival interjected casually, hands in pockets, casting a cool glance at Judith. “Perhaps you’d care to

The mere Brooks family!

presence. Had it not been for Vivienne’s preference to handle her own affairs, they might

to leave the Brooks family alone until

seemed eager not to let well

the impression that he was

was truly furious now, her words losing restraint. “Ever since she returned to the Brooks family, she’s been nothing but cold to us. Anything we do is wrong in her eyes,

for her, and she turned it into a farce. When her siblings took her to

parents with hospitality, but did it earn

come back. Out of consideration for her feelings, we haven’t been overly kind to Calista. Yet today, despite past

Why can’t I say you should learn from your mother? Vivienne, you simply do

It was charming

has many unsettled scores. Thomas, bring over a couple of chairs. Vivienne and I will sit down and settle each and every

look at Judith

Vivienne by the hand and sat down. Though seated, they exuded an aura of royalty that diminished

as his deep gaze swept over the Brooks family before settling on Judith. He turned to Vivienne and said, “Vivienne, there are many

“I’m not great with numbers, Mr. Wolf. You

“Very well.”

returned to Judith. “Let’s start with the incident at Emerald Mountain when you

he would address the

they were no longer

felt a sudden twinge of unease at the turn of

“What are you trying to do? Do

the International Math Olympiad when I was sixteen. You can look it